Fiber optic apparatus for retrofit fiber optic connectivity

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a retrofit kit for a telecommunications cabinet that is configured to house copper electronic equipment. The kit includes a fiber optic apparatus configured to be mounted in an interior of the telecommunications cabinet and a retrofit door configured to be mounted to the telecommunications cabinet to cover the interior. The retrofit door includes a front surface, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the front surface, and a rear surface extending inward from the plurality of sidewalls. The rear surface is spaced apart from the front surface and defines an opening into a cavity of the retrofit door. The fiber optic apparatus and the retrofit door are configured such that when the fiber optic apparatus and the retrofit door are mounted, the at least one cavity of the retrofit door provides volume to accommodate the fiber optic apparatus.

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.16/549,316, filed Aug. 23, 2019, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/492,208, filed on Apr. 20, 2017, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,436,999, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. applicationNo. 62/464,008, filed on Feb. 27, 2017, each of the foregoingapplications being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to fiber optic equipment, and inparticular, to a fiber optic apparatus to provide retrofit fiber opticconnectivity.

To improve network performance, communication and data networks areincreasingly employing optical fiber. A fiber optic network providesoptical signals over a distribution network comprised of fiber opticcables. The benefits of optical fiber are well known and include highersignal-to-noise ratios and increased bandwidth. Many areas aretransitioning from copper to fiber for these reasons. In a fiber opticnetwork, fiber optic connectivity and subscriber connection maintenancemay be housed in a fiber optic cabinet, such as for example a fiberdistribution hub.

In this regard, FIGS. 1A-1B are exemplary views of a typical fiber opticcabinet 100. Referring to FIG. 1A, the fiber optic cabinet 100 includesa housing 102 defining an interior 104 with fiber optic equipment 106positioned within the interior 104 of the housing 102. In particular,the fiber optic equipment 106 includes a distribution panel 108 toconnect and manage outgoing lines to a subscriber, a feeder panel 110 toconnect and manage incoming lines from a provider, and a plurality ofsplitter modules 112 to connect the feeder panel 110 to the distributionpanel 108. The distribution panel 108 is positioned toward a left sideof the housing 102 and the feeder panel 110 and the splitter modules 112are positioned toward a right side of the housing 102. The outgoing andincoming lines are connected to the distribution panel 108 and thefeeder panel 110 by cables positioned behind the distribution panel 108and/or the feeder panel 110. The splitter modules 112 are mounted on asliding shelf 114, such that moving the shelf 114 forward and/or out ofthe interior 104 of the fiber optic cabinet 100 provides access tomultiple splitter modules 112 per shelf 114. FIG. 1B is an exemplaryperspective view of cabling 116 mounted within the typical fiber opticcabinet 100. In particular, the cabling 116 is positioned on the shelf114 within the housing 102 of the fiber optic cabinet 100.

Such fiber optic cabinets 100 are typically configured with dimensionalflexibility to accommodate various fiber optic equipment 106 and/orconfigurations thereof. For example, the width of the housing 102 may beincreased to accommodate a larger distribution panel 108, more splittermodules 112, etc. The depth of the housing 102 may be increased toaccommodate more cabling 116, etc.

However, transitioning from copper to fiber may be challenging orunavailable for certain areas if a fiber optic cabinet must beinstalled. For example, deployment of a fiber optic cabinet 100 may notbe possible in areas that are topographically challenging, such as withnarrow roads, no sidewalks, etc., even though those areas may include acabinet housing electrical equipment (e.g., copper). In such cases,customers with a copper infrastructure may have no path to deployment offiber using typical fiber optic cabinets 100. Even in cases where afiber optic cabinet may be installed, doing so may be expensive, timeconsuming, and/or filled with regulatory hurdles.

Accordingly, there is a desire for an easy and effective transition fromcopper to fiber, particularly one that utilizes existing infrastructure.

No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes priorart. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracyand pertinency of any cited documents.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a fiber optic apparatusfor retrofit fiber optic connectivity. In an exemplary embodiment, thefiber optic apparatus includes a frame configured for mounting in atelecommunications cabinet, a fiber optic connection array mounted tothe frame, and a fiber optic cable assembly mounted to the frame andconnected to the fiber optic connection array. The fiber optic apparatusis configured to reduce the size and footprint of a typical fiber opticcabinet for retrofit deployment within existing copper infrastructure,while allowing a user to provide and manage fiber optic networkconnections between a network provider and a plurality of subscribers.The fiber optic apparatus includes a splitter mount for mounting atleast one fiber optic splitter module thereto, a feeder panel providinga plurality of feeder ports configured for optical communication withthe fiber optic splitter module via a splitter input cable, and adistribution panel providing a plurality of distribution portsconfigured for optical communication with the fiber optic splittermodule via a splitter output cable. The splitter mount, feeder panel,and distribution panel are vertically aligned to decrease the width ofthe fiber optic apparatus, and the fiber optic apparatus may include atleast one routing guide vertically extending along at least part of thedistribution panel to retain at least a portion of the splitter outputcable therein. The fiber optic apparatus includes a connector parkingpanel with a recessed mounting surface for mounting splitter connectorsat an oblique angle to minimize the depth of the fiber optic apparatus.The fiber optic apparatus includes a plurality of ribbon fan-out kit(RFK) sets with at least a portion of the input cables of a first RFKset extending beneath housings of a second RFK set to decrease the depthof the fiber optic apparatus. The fiber optic apparatus includesflexible tubing attached to a detachable strain relief bracketconfigured for removal of the detachable strain relief bracket from theframe and reattachment to the telecommunications cabinet to facilitateflexibility in mounting of the fiber optic apparatus and fiberdeployment.

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber optic apparatus,comprising a frame, a splitter mount, a feeder panel, a distributionpanel, and at least one routing guide. The frame has a first end and asecond end. The frame is configured for placement in atelecommunications cabinet with the second end oriented toward a surfaceon which the telecommunications cabinet is secured and the first endoriented away from the surface on which the telecommunications cabinetis secured. The splitter mount is attached to the frame and configuredfor mounting at least one fiber optic splitter module thereto. Thefeeder panel is attached to the frame and positioned between the firstend of the frame and the splitter mount. The feeder panel comprises atleast one feeder port connector adapter. The distribution panel isattached to the frame and positioned between the first end of the frameand the feeder panel. The distribution panel comprises a plurality ofdistribution port connector adapters. The at least one routing guideextends along the distribution panel at least part of a distance betweenthe first end and the second end. The at least one routing guide definesa routing channel configured to retain the splitter output cablestherein.

An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber opticapparatus, comprising a frame, a splitter mount, a feeder panel, adistribution panel, and a connector parking panel. The frame has a firstend and a second end. The frame is configured for placement in atelecommunications cabinet with the second end oriented toward a surfaceon which the telecommunications cabinet is secured and the first endoriented away from the surface on which the telecommunications cabinetis secured. The splitter mount is attached to the frame and configuredfor mounting at least one fiber optic splitter module thereto. Thefeeder panel is attached to the frame. The feeder panel comprises atleast one feeder port connector adapter. The distribution panel isattached to the frame. The distribution panel comprises a plurality ofdistribution port connector adapters. The connector parking panel ispositioned between the first end of the frame and the splitter mount.The connector parking panel comprises a recessed mounting surfaceobliquely angled relative to the frame.

An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber opticapparatus, comprising a frame, a distribution panel, and a fiber opticcable assembly. The frame has a first end, a second end, a first sideextending between the first end and the second end, and a second sideextending between the first end and the second end. The frame isconfigured for placement in a telecommunications cabinet with the secondend oriented toward a surface on which the telecommunications cabinet issecured and the first end oriented away from the surface on which thetelecommunications cabinet is secured. The distribution panel isattached to the frame and comprising a plurality of distribution portconnector adapters. The fiber optic cable assembly is in opticalcommunication with the plurality of distribution port connectoradapters. The fiber optic cable assembly comprises a first ribbonfan-out kit (RFK) set and a second RFK set. The first ribbon fan-out kitset is positioned between the second end and the distribution panel. Thefirst RFK set comprises a plurality of RFKs. The second RFK set ispositioned between the second end and the distribution panel and furtherpositioned between the second side and the first RFK set. The second RFKset comprises a plurality of RFKs. Each of the plurality of RFKs of thefirst and second RFK sets comprises a housing, at least one input cableattached approximately at a first end of the housing, and a plurality ofoutput cables attached approximately at a second end of the housingopposite the first end. At least a plurality of the housings of thefirst RFK set are stacked along a direction between the first end andthe second end of the frame. At least a portion of the input cables ofthe first RFK set is positioned between the second end of the frame andthe housings of the second RFK set.

An additional embodiment of the disclosure relates to a fiber opticapparatus, comprising a frame, a distribution panel, a detachable strainrelief bracket, and a fiber optic cable assembly. The frame has a firstend, a second end, a first side extending between the first end and thesecond end, and a second side extending between the first end and thesecond end. The frame is configured for placement in atelecommunications cabinet with the second end oriented toward a surfaceon which the telecommunications cabinet is secured and the first endoriented away from the surface on which the telecommunications cabinetis secured. The distribution panel is attached to the frame andcomprises a plurality of distribution port connector adapters. Thedetachable strain relief bracket is removably mounted to the second sideof the frame. The fiber optic cable assembly is in optical communicationwith the plurality of distribution port connector adapters. The fiberoptic cable assembly comprises an armored tail and flexible tubing. Thearmored tail is attached to and downwardly extending from the detachablestrain relief bracket. The flexible tubing has a first end at the secondside of the frame and a second end attached to the detachable strainrelief bracket.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described herein, including the detailed descriptionwhich follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary, and areintended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the natureand character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitutea part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or moreembodiments, and together with the description serve to explainprinciples and operation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exemplary perspective view of a typical fiber opticcabinet;

FIG. 1B is an exemplary perspective view of cabling mounted within thetypical fiber optic cabinet of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a fiber optic apparatus ofthe present disclosure mounted within a telecommunications cabinet;

FIG. 3A is an exemplary front perspective view of the fiber opticapparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is an exemplary back perspective view of the fiber opticapparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is an exemplary front perspective view of the fiber opticapparatus of FIGS. 2-3B illustrating front wiring;

FIG. 4B is an exemplary back perspective view of the fiber opticapparatus of FIG. 4A illustrating back wiring;

FIG. 5A is an exemplary front view of the connector parking panel withsplitter connectors and connector parking blocks mounted thereto;

FIG. 5B is an exemplary front view of the connector parking panel ofFIG. 5A without the splitter connectors and connector parking blocksmounted thereto;

FIG. 6A is an exemplary back perspective view of the fiber opticapparatus of FIGS. 2-5B with a back cover removed and without wiring;

FIG. 6B is an exemplary back perspective view of FIG. 6A illustrating aplurality of RFK mounts;

FIG. 6C is an exemplary back perspective view of FIGS. 6A-6Billustrating attachment of RFK sets to the RFK mounts;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the fiber optic apparatus of FIGS. 2-6Cillustrating a detachable strain relief bracket;

FIG. 8A is an exemplary perspective view of the fiber optic apparatus ofFIGS. 2-7 mounted within the telecommunications cabinet of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8B is an exemplary perspective view of the fiber optic apparatus ofFIG. 8A illustrating the detachable strain relief bracket detached fromthe fiber optic apparatus and attached to the telecommunicationscabinet;

FIG. 8C is an exemplary perspective view of the fiber optic apparatus ofFIGS. 8A-8B illustrating the fiber optic apparatus in a pivoted openposition;

FIG. 9A is an exemplary front perspective view of another embodiment ofthe fiber optic apparatus of FIGS. 2-8C;

FIG. 9B is an exemplary back perspective view of the fiber opticapparatus of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is an exemplary back perspective view of the fiber opticapparatus of FIG. 9A with a back cover removed;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary front view of a frame body and a fiber opticconnection array of the fiber optic apparatus of FIGS. 9A-9C;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary front view of another embodiment of a frame bodyand fiber optic connection array of the fiber optic apparatus of FIGS.9A-9C;

FIG. 12A is an exemplary front perspective view of a retrofit doorassembly;

FIG. 12B is an exemplary rear perspective view of the retrofit doorassembly;

FIG. 12C is an exemplary rear view of the retrofit door assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a telecommunications cabinet includinga standard door;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a telecommunications cabinet includingthe retrofit door assembly of FIGS. 12A-C;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the telecommunications cabinet with theretrofit door in an open position;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the telecommunications cabinet with theretrofit door in the open position and the fiber optic apparatus tiltedoutward; and

FIG. 17 is a front view of the telecommunications cabinet with theretrofit door in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a fiber optic apparatusfor retrofit fiber optic connectivity. In an exemplary embodiment, thefiber optic apparatus includes a frame configured for mounting in atelecommunications cabinet, a fiber optic connection array mounted tothe frame, and a fiber optic cable assembly mounted to the frame andconnected to the fiber optic connection array. The fiber optic apparatusis configured to reduce the size and footprint of a typical fiber opticcabinet for retrofit deployment within existing copper infrastructure,while allowing a user to provide and manage fiber optic networkconnections between a network provider and a plurality of subscribers.The fiber optic apparatus includes a splitter mount for mounting atleast one fiber optic splitter module thereto, a feeder panel providinga plurality of feeder ports configured for optical communication withthe fiber optic splitter module via a splitter input cable, and adistribution panel providing a plurality of distribution portsconfigured for optical communication with the fiber optic splittermodule via a splitter output cable. The splitter mount, feeder panel,and distribution panel are vertically aligned to decrease the width ofthe fiber optic apparatus, and the fiber optic apparatus may include atleast one routing guide vertically extending along at least part of thedistribution panel to retain at least a portion of the splitter outputcable therein. The fiber optic apparatus includes a connector parkingpanel with a recessed mounting surface for mounting splitter connectorsat an oblique angle to minimize the depth of the fiber optic apparatus.The fiber optic apparatus includes a plurality of ribbon fan-out kit(RFK) sets with at least a portion of the input cables of a first RFKset extending beneath housings of a second RFK set to decrease depth ofthe fiber optic apparatus. The fiber optic apparatus includes flexibletubing attached to a detachable strain relief bracket configured forremoval of the detachable strain relief bracket from the frame andreattachment to the telecommunications cabinet to facilitate flexibilityin mounting of the fiber optic apparatus and fiber deployment.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described herein, including the detailed descriptionwhich follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

In this regard, FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of a fiber opticapparatus 200 of the present disclosure mounted within atelecommunications cabinet 202. The fiber optic apparatus 200 isconfigured for retrofit fiber optic connectivity. The fiber opticapparatus 200 includes a frame 204 (also referred to herein as a framebody) configured for mounting in the telecommunications cabinet 202, afiber optic connection array 206 mounted to the frame 204, and a fiberoptic cable assembly 208 mounted to the frame 204 and connected to thefiber optic connection array 206. The fiber optic apparatus 200 isconfigured to reduce the size and footprint of a typical fiber opticcabinet for retrofit deployment within existing copper infrastructure(e.g., a telecommunications cabinet 202), while allowing a user toprovide and manage fiber optic network connections between a networkprovider and a plurality of subscribers. The fiber optic apparatus 200includes a splitter mount 210 for mounting at least one fiber opticsplitter module 212 thereto, a feeder panel 214 providing a plurality offeeder ports 216 configured for optical communication with the fiberoptic splitter modules 212 via a splitter input cable 218A (alsoreferred to as a splitter input leg), and a distribution panel 220providing a plurality of distribution ports 222 configured for opticalcommunication with the fiber optic splitter module 212 via a splitteroutput cable 218B (also referred to as a splitter output leg). Thesplitter mount 210, feeder panel 214, and distribution panel 220 arevertically aligned to decrease the width of the fiber optic apparatus200, and the fiber optic apparatus 200 may include at least one routingguide 224A, 224B vertically extending along at least part of thedistribution panel 220 to retain at least a portion of the splitteroutput cables 218B therein. The fiber optic apparatus 200 includes aconnector parking panel 226 with a recessed mount surface 228 formounting splitter output connectors 230B (in communication with splitterinput connectors 230A) for the splitter output cables 218B at an obliqueangle to minimize the depth of the fiber optic apparatus 200. The fiberoptic apparatus 200 includes a plurality of ribbon fan-out kit (RFK)sets 232A-232C, each RFK set 232A-232C including at least one RFK 234.At least a portion of input cables 236A of a first RFK set 232A (incommunication with splitter output cables 236B) extend beneath housings238 of the second RFK set 232B to decrease depth of the fiber opticapparatus 200. The fiber optic apparatus 200 includes flexible tubing240 attached to a detachable strain relief bracket 242 configured forremoval the detachable strain relief bracket 242 from the frame 204 andreattachment to the telecommunications cabinet 202 to facilitateflexibility in mounting of the fiber optic apparatus 200 and fiberdeployment.

FIGS. 3A-3B are views of the fiber optic apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. Thefiber optic apparatus 200 includes a support structure 300, the fiberoptic connection array 206 mounted to the support structure 300, and thefiber optic cable assembly 208 mounted to the support structure 300. Thefiber optic connection array 206 allows a user to manage fiber opticconnections. The fiber optic cable assembly 208 provides fiber opticcabling for fiber optic communication through the fiber optic apparatus200. In certain embodiments, the fiber optic apparatus 200 has a heightH1 between 40 inches and 60 inches, and is configured to provide fiberoptic connections for up 432 distribution fibers in some embodiments. Inother embodiments, the fiber optic apparatus is configured to provideconnections for up to 864 distribution fibers when installing two fiberoptic apparatuses 200 in a back to back or side by side configurationwithin the telecommunications cabinet 202. The fiber optic apparatus 200is configured for retrofit deployment within a telecommunicationscabinet 202 (see FIG. 2) for easy transition from copper or electricalto fiber, to take advantage of existing copper infrastructure, tominimize time and cost of installation of fiber optic equipment, toavoid construction permits and other regulatory requirements, etc.

The support structure 300 of the fiber optic apparatus 200 includes aframe body 204. The frame body 204 includes a first end 302A (alsoreferred to as a top end), a second end 302B (also referred to as bottomend) opposite the first end 302A, a first side 304A (also referred to asa left side) that extends between the top end 302A and the bottom end302B, and a second side 304B (also referred to as a right side) thatextends between the top end 302A and the bottom end 302B and opposite tothe first side 304A. The frame body 204 further includes a first body306A (also referred to as an upper body) positioned toward the top end302A and a second body 306B (also referred to as a lower body)positioned toward the bottom end 302B. The upper body 306A supports andmounts the fiber optic connection array 206 (explained in more detailbelow). Directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,”“left,” “right,” “medial,” “distal,” etc. are used for non-limitingillustrative purposes only.

The frame body 204 further includes a rear protective cover 308 (alsoreferred to as a back protective cover) to selectively enclose at leasta portion of the fiber optic cable assembly 208 (explained in moredetail below). In particular, the rear protective cover 308 may bepivotally (e.g., hingedly) and/or removably attached to the upper body306A. The frame body 204 further includes a top installation bracket310A positioned at the top end 302A of the frame body 204 and a bottominstallation bracket 310B positioned at the bottom end 302B of the framebody 204. The top installation bracket 310A and the bottom installationbracket 310B mount the fiber optic apparatus 200 to thetelecommunications cabinet 202 (explained in more detail below). Thebottom installation bracket 310B includes a left hook 312A forwardlyextending from a left side of the bottom installation bracket 310B and aright hook 312B forwardly extending from a right side of the bottominstallation bracket 310B. The left and right hooks 312A, 312Bfacilitate mounting and selective pivoting of the fiber optic apparatus200 relative to the telecommunications cabinet 202 for selective accessto the area of the telecommunications cabinet 202 directly behind thefiber optic apparatus 200.

The lower body 306B includes a back wall 314, a first sidewall 318A(also referred to as a left sidewall) forwardly extending from a leftside of the back wall 314 and a second sidewall 318B (also referred toas a right sidewall) opposite the left sidewall 318A and forwardlyextending from a right side of the back wall 314. The back wall 314 maydefine an opening 316 for cross-connection of fiber optic splittermodules 212 between multiple fiber optic apparatuses 200 set up in aback to back orientation. The lower body 306B includes an upper wall 320extending between the left and right sidewalls 318A, 318B from a topthereof. The lower body 306B further includes a bottom container 322(also referred to as slack storage) extending between the left and rightsidewalls 318A, 318B from a bottom thereof. The bottom container 322 isconfigured to receive and hold slack of the splitter output cables 218Bfrom the fiber optic splitter modules 212 when the fiber optic splittermodules 212 are mounted to the lower body 306B (explained in more detailbelow).

A splitter installation 324 includes a splitter mount 210 extending fromthe left side 304A of the fiber optic apparatus 200 to the right side304B of the fiber optic apparatus 200 and positioned between the leftand right sidewalls 318A, 318B of the lower body 306B, and between theupper wall 320 of the lower body 306B and the bottom container 322. Thesplitter mount 210 is configured for mounting of one or more fiber opticsplitter modules 212 thereto. The splitter mount 210 is obliquely angledrelative to the frame body 204 and/or the bottom container 322 to directthe slack from the splitter output cables 218B of the fiber opticsplitter modules 212 into the bottom container 322. Each fiber opticsplitter module 212 includes a housing 326, at least one splitter inputcable 218A (see FIG. 4A) extending from a first end (also referred to asa top) of the housing 326, and one or more splitter output cables 218B(see FIG. 4A) extending from a second end (also referred to as a bottom)of the housing 326. It is noted that the terms “input” and “output” arefor non-limiting illustrative purposes only, and all cables arebidirectional unless otherwise noted. By way of example, each fiberoptic splitter module 212 may provide thirty-two splitter output cables218B for each splitter input cable 218A. In other embodiments, eachfiber optic splitter module 212 may include more or less than thirty-twooutput cables 218B (e.g., 1x4 splitter modules, 1x8 splitter modules,and 1x16 splitter modules). The fiber optic splitter modules 212 areadjacently mounted to one another on the splitter mount 210 from theleft side 304A of the frame body 204 to the right side 304B of the framebody 204. In this way, the splitter mount 210 may be configured to mountbetween one and twenty fiber optic splitter modules 212 (e.g., fourteenfiber optic splitter modules 212). In some embodiments, the splittermount 210 may be configured to mount more than twenty fiber opticsplitter modules 212. When mounted, the splitter input cables 218Aextend upwardly and the splitter output cables 218B extend downwardly,as illustrated in FIG. 4A. The fiber optic splitter modules 212 aremounted at an angle relative to the frame body 204 so that the slack ofthe downwardly extending splitter output cables 218B is set farther backfrom a front of the fiber optic apparatus 200. In other words, the fiberoptic splitter modules 212 are obliquely angled so that the downwardlyextending splitter output cables 218B fall closer to a back of thebottom container 322 of the fiber optic apparatus 200, to facilitateorganization.

Referring momentarily to FIG. 5A, the splitter installation 324 furtherincludes a connector parking panel 226 for removably mounting one ormore parking blocks 328. The connector parking panel 226 extends fromthe left side 304A of the fiber optic apparatus 200 to the right side304B of the fiber optic apparatus 200. Each parking block 328 mounts oneor more splitter output connectors 230B, and in particular, splitteroutput connectors 230B not connected to the fiber optic connection array206. The parking block 328 is removably attachable to the connectorparking panel 226. In this way, the parking block 328 can attachmultiple splitter output connectors 230B, and provide easy access tosuch splitter output connectors 230B.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3B, the connector parking panel 226 ispositioned above the splitter mount 210. In this way, the extra slackfrom the unconnected splitter output cables 218B (see FIG. 4A) of thefiber optic splitter modules 212 are kept out of the way of the rest ofthe fiber optic apparatus 200, but remain easily accessible forsubsequent connection of the splitter output connectors 230B (see FIG.5A) of the splitter output cables 218B to the fiber optic connectionarray 206 (explained in more detail below).

The fiber optic connection array 206 includes a feeder panel 214, adistribution panel 220, and a pass-through panel 330. Each of the feederpanel 214, the distribution panel 220, and the pass-through panel 330extend from the left side 304A of the fiber optic apparatus 200 to theright side 304B of the fiber optic apparatus 200. The feeder panel 214,the distribution panel 220, and the pass-through panel 330 may beseparate panels that are each separately coupled to the frame body 204or one or more of the feeder panel 214, the distribution panel 220, andthe pass-through panel 330 may be configured as a single, unitarycomponent that is then coupled to the frame body 204. In otherembodiments, one or more of the feeder panel 214, the distribution panel220, and the pass-through panel 330 may be unitarily formed with theframe body 204.

The feeder panel 214 is positioned above the connector parking panel 226such that the connector parking panel 226 is positioned between thefeeder panel 214 and the splitter mount 210. The feeder panel 214includes a plurality of feeder ports 216 configured to receive feederport connector adapters 217 (see FIG. 4A) for connection of the splitterinput connectors 230A (see FIG. 5A) of the splitter input cables 218A ofthe fiber optic splitter modules 212 thereto. Accordingly, it isadvantageous to position the feeder panel 214 proximate to the fiberoptic splitter modules 212. Each of the feeder port connector adapters217 of the feeder ports 216 is configured for optical communication witha network provider (e.g., central office). The feeder port connectoradapters 217 of the feeder ports 216 can be configured in columns androws for organizational purposes.

The distribution panel 220 is positioned above the feeder panel 214 suchthat the feeder panel 214 is positioned between the connector parkingpanel 226 and the distribution panel 220. The distribution panel 220includes a plurality of distribution ports 222 configured to receivedistribution port connector adapters 223 (see FIG. 4A) for connection ofthe splitter output connectors 230B of the splitter output cables 218Bof the fiber optic splitter modules 212 thereto. Each of thedistribution port connector adapters 223 (see FIG. 4A) of thedistribution ports 222 is configured for optical communication with asubscriber (e.g., home subscriber). The distribution port connectoradapters 223 of the distribution ports 222 can be configured in columnsand rows for organizational purposes.

The pass-through panel 330 is positioned above the distribution panel220 such that the distribution panel 220 is positioned between thefeeder panel 214 and the pass-through panel 330. The pass-through panel330 includes a plurality of pass-through ports 332 configured to receivepass-through port connector adapters 333 (see FIG. 4A) for directconnections between the feeder port connector adapters 217 (see FIG. 4A)of the feeder ports 216 of the feeder panel 214 and the pass-throughport connector adapters 333 (see FIG. 4A) of the pass-through ports 332.Thus, the pass-through panel 330 provides optical fiber connections withlarger bandwidth than those of the distribution ports 222 of thedistribution panel 220. Each of the pass-through port connector adapters333 of the pass-through ports 332 is configured for opticalcommunication with a subscriber (e.g., business subscriber). Thepass-through port connector adapters 333 of the pass-through ports 332can be configured in columns and rows for organizational purposes.

The support structure 300 of the fiber optic apparatus 200 furtherincludes left and right routing guides 224A, 224B positioned,respectively, along the left side 304A and the right side 304B of thefiber optic apparatus 200. The left and right routing guides 224A, 224Bare vertically oriented and organize the splitter output cables 218B ofthe fiber optic splitter modules 212 connected to fiber optic connectionarray 206 (explained in more detail below). The left routing guide 224Aincludes a u-shaped bracket 334 having a back wall 336, a medial wall338A (also referred to as a right wall) forwardly extending from an edgeof the back wall 336 proximate a center of the fiber optic apparatus200, and a distal wall 338B (also referred to as a left wall) forwardlyextending from an edge of the back wall 336 away from the center of thefiber optic apparatus 200. The back wall 336, medial wall 338A, anddistal wall 338B define a vertical routing channel 342 (with an open topand an open bottom) for routing of the splitter output cables 218B (seeFIG. 4A) of the fiber optic splitter modules 212 therethrough. The backwall 336 of the left routing guide 224A is attached at a front surfaceof the frame body 204 and/or the fiber optic connection array 206. Inthis way, the left routing guide 224A forwardly extends from the framebody 204 and/or the fiber optic connection array 206 (e.g., feeder ports216 of the feeder panel 214, distribution ports 222 of the distributionpanel 220, pass-through ports 332 of the pass-through panel 330) toprovide routing access of the splitter output cables 218B (see FIG. 4A)up through the left routing guide 224A and inwardly to their respectiveport (e.g., feeder ports 216, distribution ports 222, pass-through ports332), as explained in more detail below.

The left routing guide 224A further includes a front cover 344 pivotally(also referred to as hingedly) attached to a distal wall 338B of theu-shaped bracket 334. Accordingly, the front cover 344 is movablebetween a closed position and an open position. In the closed position,the front cover 344 extends between the medial wall 338A and the distalwall 338B enclosing the vertical routing channel 342. The medial wall338A includes a plurality of fiber guide slots 340 (the fiber guideslots 340 of the medial wall 338A of the left routing guide 224A arehidden in FIG. 3A but are similar to the fiber guide slots 340 of themedial wall 338A of the right routing guide 224B, which is visible inFIG. 3A) aligned along a vertical length of the medial wall 338A forinsertion of one or more splitter output cables 218B (see FIG. 4A)therein, such that the one or more splitter output cables 218B (see FIG.4A) extend out of the vertical routing channel 342 to the respectiveport (e.g., distribution port 222). Thus, each fiber guide slot 340 ispositioned adjacent to a row of distribution ports 222 in thedistribution panel 220. For example, referring momentarily to FIG. 4A,the splitter output cables 218B are directed from the housing 326 ofeach the fiber optic splitter module 212 downwardly into the bottomcontainer 322, to the left side of the bottom container 322, up the leftside of the frame body 204 through a bottom opening of the verticalrouting channel 342 of the left routing guide 224A and then inwardlythrough a fiber guide slot 340 (see FIG. 3A) to one of the distributionport connector adapters 223 of the distribution ports 222 (see FIG. 3A)adjacent to the fiber guide slot 340 (see FIG. 3A). This arrangementorganizes the splitter output cables 218B and keeps the distributionpanel 220 open and accessible.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in certain embodiments a pluralityof left lower fiber guide slots 346A may be positioned on a left side ofthe connector parking panel 226 for securement of splitter output cables218B (see FIG. 4A) and/or other cables in physical connection with thedistribution port connector adapters 223 (see FIG. 4A) of the feederports 216 of the feeder panel 214, as the left routing guide 224A mayonly extend up to but not past the feeder panel 214 to leave sufficientroom for mounting the top installation bracket 310A.

Similarly, the right routing guide 224B includes a u-shaped bracket 334having a back wall 336, a medial wall 338A (also referred to as a leftwall) forwardly extending from an edge of the back wall 336 proximate acenter of the fiber optic apparatus 200, and a distal wall 338B (alsoreferred to as a right wall) forwardly extending from an edge of theback wall 336 away from the center of the fiber optic apparatus 200. Theback wall 336, medial wall 338A, and distal wall 338B define a verticalrouting channel 342 (with an open top and an open bottom) for routing ofthe splitter output cables 218B (see FIG. 4A) of the fiber opticsplitter modules 212 therethrough. The back wall 336 of the rightrouting guide 224B is attached at a front surface of the frame body 204and/or the fiber optic connection array 206. In this way, the rightrouting guide 224B forwardly extends from the frame body 204 and/or thefiber optic connection array 206 (e.g., feeder ports 216 of the feederpanel 214, distribution ports 222 of the distribution panel 220,pass-through ports 332 of the pass-through panel 330) to provide routingaccess of the splitter output cables 218B up through the right routingguide 224B and inwardly to their respective port (e.g., feeder ports216, distribution ports 222, pass-through ports 332), as explained inmore detail below.

The right routing guide 224B further includes a front cover 344pivotally (also referred to as hingedly) attached to a distal wall 338Bof the u-shaped bracket 334. Accordingly, the front cover 344 is movablebetween a closed position and an open position. In the closed position,the front cover 344 extends between the medial wall 338A and the distalwall 338B enclosing the vertical routing channel 342. The medial wall338A includes a plurality of fiber guide slots 340 aligned along avertical length of the medial wall 338A for insertion of one or moresplitter output cables 218B therein, such that the one or more splitteroutput cables 218B extend out of the vertical routing channel 342 to therespective port (e.g., distribution port 222). Thus, each fiber guideslot 340 is positioned adjacent to a row of distribution ports 222 inthe distribution panel 220. Referring momentarily to FIG. 4A, thesplitter output cables 218B are directed from the housing 326 of thefiber optic splitter module 212 downwardly into the bottom container322, to the right side of the bottom container 322, up the right side ofthe frame body 204 through a bottom opening of the vertical routingchannel 342 of the right routing guide 224B, and then inwardly through afiber guide slot 340 (see also FIG. 4A) to one of the distribution portconnector adapters 223 of the distribution ports 222 adjacent to thefiber guide slot 340. This arrangement organizes the splitter outputcables 218B and keeps the distribution panel 220 open and accessible.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in certain embodiments a pluralityof right lower fiber guide slots 346B may be positioned on a right sideof the connector parking panel 226 for securement of splitter outputcables 218B and/or other cables in physical connection with the feederports 216 of the feeder panel 214, as the right routing guide 224B mayonly extend up to but not past the feeder panel 214 to leave sufficientroom for mounting the top installation bracket 310A.

FIGS. 4A-4B are exemplary views of the fiber optic apparatus 200 ofFIGS. 2-3B illustrating wiring thereof. When installed in atelecommunications cabinet 202, the fiber optic cable assembly 208 ofthe fiber optic apparatus 200 provides optical communication and fiberoptic routing management. In particular, the fiber optic cable assembly208 includes side wiring 400, back wiring 402, and front wiring 404.Side wiring 400 includes input fibers 406A that may be in opticalcommunication with a network provider (e.g., from a central office) andoutput fibers 406B that may be in optical communication with asubscriber (e.g., home, business, etc.). The side wiring 400 furtherincludes an armored tail 408 attached to and downwardly extending fromthe detachable strain relief bracket 242 downwardly to a ground port.The side wiring 400 further includes flexible tubing 240 attached to andupwardly extending from the detachable strain relief bracket 242 to theframe body 204 of the fiber optic apparatus 200. In certain embodiments,the flexible tubing 240 comprises expando mesh or any other flexiblematerial. Accordingly, the side wiring 400 provides opticalcommunication between the fiber optic apparatus 200 and a splice box410.

The back wiring 402 includes a plurality of RFK sets 232A-232C providingoptical communication between the side wiring 400 and the fiber opticconnection array 206 (e.g., the feeder port connector adapters 217 ofthe feeder ports 216, the distribution port connector adapters 223 ofthe distribution ports 222, and/or the pass-through port connectoradapters 333 of the pass-through ports 332). The front wiring 404includes fiber optic splitter modules 212 and provides opticalcommunication between the feeder port connector adapters 217 of thefeeder ports 216 of the feeder panel 214, the distribution portconnector adapters 223 of the distribution ports 222 of the distributionpanel 220, and/or the pass-through port connector adapters 333 of thepass-through ports 332 of the pass-through panel 330.

The general optical signal (and associated wiring) flows, as an example,from a provider to the splice box 410, and then proceeds from the splicebox 410 through input fibers 406A to the back wiring 402, and inparticular to the input cables 236A of the RFK sets 232A-232C. Theoptical signal then proceeds through the output cables 236B of the RFKsets 232A-232C to a backside of the feeder port connector adapters 217of the feeder ports 216 and/or the pass-through port connector adapters333 of the pass-through ports 332. The front side of at least some ofthe feeder port connector adapters 217 of the feeder ports 216 may beconnected (e.g., physically connected) to the splitter input connector230A (see FIG. 5A) of the splitter input cables 218A of at least one ofthe fiber optic splitter modules 212. The optical signal then proceedsthrough the fiber optic splitter module 212 to the splitter outputcables 218B. At least some of the splitter output connectors 230B (seeFIG. 2) of the splitter output cables 218B are connected (e.g.,physically connected) to a frontside of the distribution port connectoradapters 223 of the distribution ports 222 of the distribution panel220. A backside of the distribution port connector adapters 223 of thedistribution ports 222 of the distribution panel 220 is connected (e.g.,physically connected) to at least a portion of the RFK sets 232A-232Cwhich are then connected to the output fibers 406B. The optical signalthen flows through the cables in the flexible tubing 240 to the armoredtail 408 to the subscriber premises (e.g., home, business, etc.).

The upper body 306A includes a lower back shelf 412 for mounting theplurality of RFK sets 232A-232C, explained in more detail below. Thelower back shelf 412 is positioned between the splitter mount 210 andthe feeder panel 214. The upper body 306A further includes an upper backshelf 414 for horizontally routing output cables 236B of the RFK sets232A-232C. The upper back shelf 414 is positioned above the plurality ofRFK sets 232A-232C and below the feeder panel 214. Further, the upperback shelf 414 includes a horizontal routing guide 416 embodied as aplurality of routing clips 418. The plurality of routing clips 418 areattached to a lower surface of the upper back shelf 414 and downwardlyextending therefrom. The plurality of routing clips 418 retain at leasta portion of the output cables 236B of the plurality of RFK sets232A-232C to route the output cables 236B of the RFK sets 232A-232Ctoward the right side 304B of the fiber optic apparatus 200.

The upper body 306A of the frame body 204 of the support structure 300of the fiber optic apparatus 200 also includes a vertical side flange420 vertically extending along a right side 304B of the frame body 204.The vertical side flange 420 includes a back vertical routing guide 422embodied as a plurality of routing clips 424 for routing fibers betweenthe RFK sets 232A-232C and the feeder ports 216, distribution ports 222,and/or pass-through ports 332. In particular, the output cables 236B ofthe RFK sets 232A-232C are routed upwardly along the vertical sideflange 420 and then toward the left side 304A to their respective feederport connector adapter 217 of the feeder port 216, distribution portconnector adapter 223 of the distribution port 222, or pass-through portconnector adapter 333 of the pass-through port 332.

FIGS. 5A-5B are views of the connector parking panel 226. As mentionedabove, the connector parking panel 226 is configured for removablymounting one or more parking blocks 328, which are shown mounted to theconnector parking panel 226 in FIG. 5A and are removed from theconnector parking panel in FIG. 5B. The connector parking panel 226includes a left bracket 500A, a right bracket 500B, and a plate 502extending between the left bracket 500A and the right bracket 500B. Inthis way, the plate 502 is offset from the frame body 204 and defines avertical channel 504 therebetween. This arrangement provides clearancefor splitter input cables 218A to extend from the fiber optic splittermodules 212 mounted on the splitter mount 210 to the feeder portconnector adapters 217 in the feeder ports 216 of the feeder panel 214,as the connector parking panel 226 is positioned between the splittermount 210 and the feeder panel 214. The plate 502 is hingedly connectedalong a left side thereof to the left bracket 500A to provide access tothe vertical channel 504 behind the plate 502.

The splitter installation 324 further includes a plurality of frontrouting clips 506 horizontally aligned. The front routing clips 506 arepositioned above the connector parking panel 226 and between theconnector parking panel 226 and the feeder panel 214. The front routingclips 506 are configured to route the splitter input cables 218A fromthe fiber optic splitter modules 212 to the feeder panel 214, and/or toretain the unconnected splitter input connectors 230A for easy accessfor subsequent connection of the splitter input connectors 230A.

The plate 502 of the connector parking panel 226 includes one or morerecessed mount surface 228 obliquely angled relative to a front surfaceof the plate 502. Each recessed mount surface 228 includes a pluralityof apertures 508 for mounting the connector parking block 328 thereto.Each connector parking block 328 includes one or more prongs 510 forattaching the connector parking block 328 to the connector parking panel226. The connector parking block 328 is removably attachable to theconnector parking panel 226 by insertion of the prongs 510 of theconnector parking block 328 into the apertures 508 of the connectorparking panel 226. In this way, the recessed mount surface 228 isobliquely angled so that when the connector parking block 328 isattached to the recessed mount surface 228, the connector parking block328 and associated splitter input connectors 230A are downwardly angled.This arrangement reduces the depth of the connector parking block 328and associated splitter input connectors 230A, and accordingly, reducesthe depth of the fiber optic apparatus 200.

FIGS. 6A-6C are views of the fiber optic apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-5Billustrating mounting of an RFK set 232C to the fiber optic apparatus200. This mounting methodology also applies to the RFK sets 232A, 232Bwhich are not illustrated. The upper body 306A of the fiber opticapparatus 200 includes a plurality of RFK mounts 600 attached to thelower back shelf 412 of the upper body 306A of the frame body 204 of thesupport structure 300 of the fiber optic apparatus 200. Each of theplurality of RFK mounts 600 includes a base 602 with a plurality of legs604A-606B downwardly extending therefrom. The plurality of legs604A-606B offset the base 602 of the RFK mount 600 from the lower backshelf 412 thereby providing sufficient room for routing of input cable236A for adjacent RFK sets 232A-232C underneath. In particular, theplurality of legs 604A-606B includes a front left leg 604A downwardlyextending at a front left corner of the base 602, a back left leg 606Adownwardly extending at a back left corner of the base 602, a frontright leg 604B downwardly extending at a front left corner of the base602, a back right leg 606B downwardly extending at a back left corner ofthe base 602. Positioning of the plurality of legs 604A-606B at cornersof the base 602 provides sufficient room between them (e.g., between thefront left leg 604A and the back left leg 606A, between the front rightleg 604B and the back right leg 606B) to route the input cable 236A foradjacent RFK sets 232A-232C therebetween. Each of the front left andright legs 604A, 604B comprises a foot 608A, 608B for stability of theRFK mount 600. Each of the back left and right legs 606A, 606B comprisesa foot 610A, 610B, each with a hole 612A, 612B in it for mounting theRFK mount 600 to the lower back shelf 412. This arrangement facilitatesstability and easy assembly of the RFK mounts 600 to the lower backshelf 412.

The RFK mounts 600 further comprise a left post 614A upwardly extendingat a left side of the base 602 and a right post 614B upwardly extendingat a right side of the base 602. The left and right posts 614A, 614Bhorizontally retain the housings 238 of the RFKs 234 on the base 602.The RFK mounts 600 further comprise a front wall 616A upwardly extendingat a front side of the base 602 and a back wall upwardly extending at aback side of the base 602. The front and back walls 616A, 616B retainthe housings 238 of the RFKs 234 on the base 602. Further, each of thefront and back walls 616A, 616B may define a plurality of holes 618 forinserting a fastener (embodied as a cable tie 620) across a top of thefront and back walls 616A, 616B, thereby vertically retaining thehousings 238 of the RFKs 234 between the front and back walls 616A,616B. Additionally, the front and back walls 616A, 616B may beconfigured to mount multiple stacks (also referred to as columns) ofhousings 238 of RFKs 234.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the fiber optic apparatus 200 of FIGS.2-6C illustrating a detachable strain relief bracket 242 (but omittingside wiring 400). The detachable strain relief bracket 242 includes abody 700 with a flange 702 downwardly extending from the body 700. Theflange 702 includes a plurality of holes 704 for receiving a fastener(embodied as a screw) therein for mounting the detachable strain reliefbracket 242 to the right sidewall 318B. The detachable strain reliefbracket 242 further includes a plurality of prongs 706 upwardlyextending from the body 700. Each of the plurality of prongs 706includes one or more left nubs 708A extending from a left side of theprong 706 and one or more right nubs 708B extending from a right side ofthe prong 706. The prongs 706 provide a surface for fastening thearmored tail 408 and flexible tubing 240 to the detachable strain reliefbracket 242, such as by cable ties (explained in more detail below). Theleft and right nubs 708A, 708B prevent the cable ties from slippingupward or downward on the prong 706 (discussed in more detail below).

FIG. 8A is a view of the fiber optic apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-7 mountedwithin a telecommunications cabinet 202 of FIG. 2. Thetelecommunications cabinet 202 is attached to a secured surface 802. Thetelecommunications cabinet 202 includes electrical copper wiringcomponents 800 and the fiber optic apparatus 200 mounted between a toprail 804 and a bottom rail 806 of the telecommunications cabinet 202.The telecommunications cabinet 202 is positioned over a distributioncable conduit 808 (as illustrated in FIG. 8B). In some embodiments, thedetachable strain relief bracket 242 may initially be coupled to theframe body 204 for shipment and may then be removed from the frame body204 for installation onto the bottom rail 806.

FIG. 8B is a magnified view of the strain relief bracket 242 coupled tothe bottom rail 806. When the strain relief bracket 242 is coupled tothe bottom rail 806, the strain relief bracket 242 is positioned overthe distribution cable conduit 808 such that the armored tail 408 isinserted into the distribution cable conduit 808. This arrangementprovides an installer with flexibility in retrofitting the fiber opticapparatus 200 within the telecommunications cabinet 202, as there may besome offset between mountable locations of the fiber optic apparatus 200on the telecommunications cabinet 202 and the location of thedistribution cable conduit 808 relative to those mountable locations.Thus, the detachable strain relief bracket 242 may be mounted to theleft or right side of the fiber optic apparatus 200 when mounted withinthe telecommunications cabinet 202. An embodiment in which thedetachable strain relief bracket 242 is mounted to the right side of thefiber optic apparatus 200 is illustrated in FIG. 8A.

Referring momentarily to FIG. 3A, as noted above the bottom installationbracket 310B includes left and right hooks 312A, 312B. Referring againto FIG. 8B, these left and right hooks 312A, 312B may be inserted intoslots 810 in the bottom rail 806 and retained therein. Accordingly, whenthe top installation bracket 310A is unsecured from the top rail 804 ofthe telecommunications cabinet 202, the fiber optic apparatus 200 isforwardly pivotable to provide access to the area of thetelecommunications cabinet 202 directly behind the fiber optic apparatus200, as shown in FIG. 8C. Referring now to FIG. 8C, the upper body 306Aof the fiber optic apparatus 200 may include a support bracket 812including a tab 814 at a back thereof attached to the top installationbracket 310A. A cable 815 may be attached between the top rail 804 andthe tab 814 such that the operator may release the fiber optic apparatus200 in the open position without the fiber optic apparatus 200 touchingthe ground. Further, the elongated length of the flexible tubing 240(see FIG. 2) allows for the fiber optic apparatus 200 to pivot forward,even when the detachable strain relief bracket 242 is mounted to thebottom rail 806.

FIGS. 9A-9C are exemplary views of another embodiment of the fiber opticapparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-8C. The fiber optic apparatus 900 includes allthe same features as those described above for the fiber optic apparatus200, except where otherwise noted. The fiber optic apparatus 900 isconfigured to have a lower profile (also referred to as a decreasedheight) compared to the fiber optic apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2-8C, such asbetween 25 and 35 inches. In some embodiments, the fiber optic apparatus900 may provide for fewer distribution ports 222 and therefore fewerdistribution port connector adapters 223 (see, e.g., FIG. 4A). Forexample, in some embodiments, the fiber optic apparatus 900 may includecapacity for up to 288 fiber optic adapters.

In particular, the fiber optic apparatus 900 includes a splitter mount902, but the splitter mount 902 is not angled, and the fiber opticapparatus 900 does not include a bottom container 322. Further, aconnector parking panel 904 is positioned at a top of the fiber opticapparatus 900 above the pass-through panel 330. Further, the connectorparking panel 904 does not include a recessed mounting surface, and theparking blocks 328 are mounted perpendicularly to the connector parkingpanel 904. Although the recessed mounting surface could be used, it isnot needed because the connector parking panel 904 is not forwardlyoffset from the frame body 204 as in the fiber optic apparatus of FIGS.2-8C.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary front view of a frame body and fiber opticconnection array of the fiber optic apparatus of FIGS. 9A-9C. Inparticular the splitter mount 902 is configured for mounting a pluralityof LS splitters. FIG. 11 is an exemplary front view of anotherembodiment of a frame body and fiber optic connection array of the fiberoptic apparatus of FIGS. 9A-9C. In this embodiment, the splitter mount1102 includes a left section 1104A configured for mounting slimsplitters, and a right section 1104B with three parking block slots 1106each configured for mounting a connector parking block 328 (see FIG.5A).

In some examples, an internal volume of the telecommunications cabinets202 may be insufficient to mount a fiber optic apparatus 200. Forexample, the telecommunications cabinet 202 may not have sufficientinternal volume to route cables or connect patch cords without riskingdamage, particularly when an access door is in a shut position. In someexample embodiments, the fiber optic apparatus 200 may extend beyond aplane defined by an access opening of the telecommunications cabinet 202when the fiber optic apparatus 200 is mounted in the telecommunicationscabinet 202, such as depicted in FIG. 15.

Turning to FIGS. 12A-12C, a retrofit door 1200 may be provided. Theretrofit door may be configured to replace an access door 1302 of atelecommunications cabinet 202, such as the Video Ready Access Device(VRAD) cabinet 1300 shown in FIG. 13. The retrofit door 1200 may beconfigured such that an internal volume of the telecommunicationscabinet 202 is sufficient to enable mounting and connecting the fiberoptic apparatus 200 when the retrofit door 1200 is installed on thetelecommunications cabinet 202, such as depicted in FIG. 14.

The retrofit door 1200 may include a front surface 1202, a plurality ofsidewalls 1204 extending from the front surface 1202 and a rear surface1206. The retrofit door 1200 may be formed from metal sheets, such assteel or aluminum. The retrofit door 1200 may be formed from a singlemetal sheet or a plurality of metal sheets. The metal sheet or sheetsmay be welded, riveted, or otherwise attached to itself or each other toform the retrofit door 1200. In the depicted embodiment, the retrofitdoor 1200 includes four sidewalls 1204, however additional sidewalls maybe utilized based on the shape of the access opening of thetelecommunications cabinet 202, for example, five or six sidewalls, suchas where the access opening has truncated the upper corner or corner. Insome example embodiments one or more sidewalls 1204, such as a topsidewall, may be curved or sloped downward to aid in water drainageand/or to limit or prevent snow or ice accumulation.

The rear surface 1206 may extend inward from the sidewalls 1204 anddefine an opening into a cavity of the retrofit door. The cavity of theretrofit door 1200 provides volume to accommodate the fiber opticapparatus, such as the fiber optic panels or the fiber optic equipmentthat is configured to be mounted to the f fiber optic panels.Additionally, the rear surface 1206 may be spaced apart from the frontsurface 1202, such that that an internal volume of thetelecommunications cabinet is sufficient to enable mounting andconnecting the fiber optic apparatus 200 when the retrofit door 1200 isinstalled on the telecommunications cabinet 202. For example, the frontsurface may be spaced from the rear surface by 2 inches, 4 inches, 5inches, 6 inches or any other suitable distance. In an exampleembodiment, the rear surface 1206 may be disposed at a distal end of thesidewalls 1204. Alternatively, the rear surface 1206 may be disposed ata medial position proximate to the distal end of the sidewalls 1204,forming a lip around the rear surface 1206. The rear surface 1206 may beconfigured to abut and/or partially compress a seal feature 1600 (FIG.16). Engagement or compression of the seal feature 1600 may provide aliquid and debris barrier or ingress protection (IP), such as IP 55, IP65, or other suitable rating.

In some example embodiments, the retrofit door 1200 may include a handle1208 configured to engage and disengage a latch feature 1210. The handle1208 may be configured to be operated by pulling, pushing, turning, orthe like. The latch feature 1210 may include a cam and rod mechanism orother suitable latching feature to restrain the retrofit door 1200 in ashut position when the handle 1208 is in an engaged position and releasethe retrofit door 1200 when the handle 1208 is in a disengaged position.

The retrofit door 1200 may be connected to the telecommunicationscabinet 202 by a hinge 1212. The hinge 1212 may be disposed between asidewall 1204 of the retrofit door 1200 and the access opening of thetelecommunications cabinet 202, such that the retrofit door 1200 maytransition between the shut position and an open or access position. Insome embodiments, the fiber optic apparatus 200 may be pivotably mountedin the telecommunications cabinet 202, as described above in FIGS.8A-8C. In some example embodiments the fiber optic apparatus 200 may beintegrated into the hinge 1212, such that the retrofit door 1200 and thefiber optic apparatus 200 share an axis of rotation.

The retrofit door 1200 may also include a wind latch 1214 configured tolimit or prevent the retrofit door from swinging past a predeterminedopen angle. The wind latch 1214 may include a slot disposed parallelwith an edge of a sidewall 1204. The slot may be configured to receive apin disposed at the end of a pivot bar attached to thetelecommunications cabinet 202. The pin of the pivot bar may slide alongthe slot of the wind latch 1214 when the retrofit door 1200 istransitioned between the open position and the shut position.Alternatively, the pivot bar may be attached to the retrofit door 1200and the wind latch 1214 and associated slot may be disposed on thetelecommunications cabinet 202.

In an example embodiment, the telecommunications cabinet may include aningress area 1700 for cable routing, as depicted in FIG. 17. The ingressarea 1700 may be separate from the portion of the telecommunicationscabinet 202 that houses the copper electronic equipment. The retrofitdoor 1200 may include a partition 1216 disposed between opposingsidewalls 1204 defining an upper portion and a lower portion of theretrofit door 1200. The upper portion may be configured to seal theportion of the telecommunications cabinet 202 housing the copperelectronic equipment as discussed above. The lower portion may beconfigured to cover the ingress area, sometimes referred to as an airchamber. In some example embodiments, the lower portion may have one ormore vent apertures 1218 disposed through the front surface to enableair flow into and out of the ingress area, which may allow drainage ordrying of the ingress area should water enter the ingress area.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the embodiments set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theembodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the description and claims are not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications andvariations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A retrofit kit for a telecommunications cabinetthat is configured to house copper electronic equipment, the kitcomprising: a fiber optic apparatus configured to be mounted in aninterior of the telecommunications cabinet, the fiber optic apparatuscomprising a frame and a plurality of fiber optic panels attached to theframe, wherein each fiber optic panel of the plurality of fiber opticpanels is configured to support fiber optic equipment; and a retrofitdoor configured to be mounted to the telecommunications cabinet to coverthe interior, the retrofit door comprising: a front surface; a pluralityof sidewalls extending from the front surface; and a rear surfaceextending inward from the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the rearsurface is spaced apart from the front surface and defines at least oneopening into at least one cavity of the retrofit door, wherein eachcavity of the at least one cavity is positioned between the frontsurface and the rear surface; wherein the fiber optic apparatus and theretrofit door are configured such that when the fiber optic apparatusand the retrofit door are mounted, the at least one cavity of theretrofit door provides volume to accommodate the plurality of fiberoptic panels or the fiber optic equipment that is configured to bemounted to the plurality of fiber optic panels.
 2. The telecommunicationassembly of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a first end and asecond end, wherein the frame is configured for placement in thetelecommunications cabinet with the second end oriented toward a surfaceon which the telecommunications cabinet is secured and the first endoriented away from the surface on which the telecommunications cabinetis secured; and wherein the fiber optic apparatus further comprises: asplitter mount attached to the frame and configured for mounting atleast one fiber optic splitter module thereto; a feeder panel attachedto the frame and positioned between the first end of the frame and thesplitter mount, the feeder panel comprising at least one feeder portconnector adapter; a distribution panel attached to the frame andpositioned between the first end of the frame and the feeder panel, thedistribution panel comprising a plurality of distribution port connectoradapters; and at least one routing guide extending along thedistribution panel at least part of a distance between the first end andthe second end, the at least one routing guide defining a routingchannel configured to retain splitter output cables therein.
 3. Thetelecommunication assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises afirst end, a second end, a first side extending between the first endand the second end, and a second side extending between the first endand the second end, wherein the frame is configured for placement in atelecommunications cabinet with the second end oriented toward a surfaceon which the telecommunications cabinet is secured and the first endoriented away from the surface on which the telecommunications cabinetis secured; and wherein the fiber optic apparatus comprises: adistribution panel attached to the frame and comprising a plurality ofdistribution port connector adapters; and a fiber optic cable assemblyin optical communication with the plurality of distribution portconnector adapters, the fiber optic cable assembly comprising: a firstribbon fan-out kit (RFK) set positioned between the second end and thedistribution panel, the first RFK set comprising a plurality of RFKs;and a second RFK set positioned between the second end and thedistribution panel and further positioned between the second side of theframe and the first RFK set, the second RFK set comprising a pluralityof RFKs; wherein each of the plurality of RFKs of the first and secondRFK sets comprises: a housing; at least one input cable; and a pluralityof output cables; wherein at least a plurality of the housings of thefirst RFK set are stacked along a direction between the first end andthe second end of the frame; and wherein at least a portion of the atleast one input cable of the first RFK set is positioned between thesecond end of the frame and the housings of the second RFK set.
 4. Thetelecommunication assembly of claim 1, wherein a top sidewall of theplurality of sidewalls is curved or angled downward.
 5. Thetelecommunication assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a hingedisposed between a sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls and thetelecommunications cabinet.
 6. The telecommunication assembly of claim5, wherein the fiber optic distribution assembly is mounted to thehinge.
 7. The telecommunication assembly of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the rear surface is configure to abut a seal feature of thetelecommunications cabinet when the retrofit door is in a shut position.8. The telecommunication assembly of claim 1, wherein the retrofit doorfurther comprises a patrician disposed between opposing sidewalls of theplurality of side walls defining an upper portion and a lower portion ofthe retrofit door.
 9. The telecommunication assembly of claim 8, whereinthe retrofit door comprises a plurality of vent apertures disposedthrough the front surface in one of the upper portion or lower portion.10. The telecommunications cabinet of claim 1, wherein the fiber opticapparatus extends beyond a plane defined by an access opening of thetelecommunications cabinet when the fiber optic apparatus is mounted inthe telecommunications cabinet.
 11. A method for installing a fiberoptic apparatus into a telecommunications cabinet that is configured tohouse copper electronic equipment, the method comprising: removing adoor from the telecommunications cabinet; mounting the fiber opticapparatus in the telecommunications cabinet; and installing a retrofitdoor assembly on the telecommunications cabinet, the retrofit doorcomprising: a front surface; a plurality of side walls extending fromthe front surface; and a rear surface extending inward from theplurality of sidewalls, wherein the rear surface is spaced apart fromthe front surface and defines at least one opening into at least onecavity of the retrofit door, wherein each cavity of the at least onecavity is positioned between the front surface and the rear surface;wherein the fiber optic apparatus and the retrofit door are configuredsuch that when the fiber optic apparatus and the retrofit door aremounted, the at least one cavity of the retrofit door provides volume toaccommodate the plurality of fiber optic panels or the fiber opticequipment that is configured to be mounted to the plurality of fiberoptic panels.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fiber opticapparatus comprises: a frame having a first end and a second end,wherein the frame is configured for placement in a telecommunicationscabinet with the second end oriented toward a surface on which thetelecommunications cabinet is secured and the first end oriented awayfrom the surface on which the telecommunications cabinet is secured; asplitter mount attached to the frame and configured for mounting atleast one fiber optic splitter module thereto; a feeder panel attachedto the frame and positioned between the first end of the frame and thesplitter mount, the feeder panel comprising at least one feeder portconnector adapter; a distribution panel attached to the frame andpositioned between the first end of the frame and the feeder panel, thedistribution panel comprising a plurality of distribution port connectoradapters; and at least one routing guide extending along thedistribution panel at least part of a distance between the first end andthe second end, the at least one routing guide defining a routingchannel configured to retain splitter output cables therein.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the fiber optic apparatus comprises: a framehaving a first end, a second end, a first side extending between thefirst end and the second end, and a second side extending between thefirst end and the second end, wherein the frame is configured forplacement in a telecommunications cabinet with the second end orientedtoward a surface on which the telecommunications cabinet is secured andthe first end oriented away from the surface on which thetelecommunications cabinet is secured; a distribution panel attached tothe frame and comprising a plurality of distribution port connectoradapters; and a fiber optic cable assembly in optical communication withthe plurality of distribution port connector adapters, the fiber opticcable assembly comprising: a first ribbon fan-out kit (RFK) setpositioned between the second end and the distribution panel, the firstRFK set comprising a plurality of RFKs; and a second RFK set positionedbetween the second end and the distribution panel and further positionedbetween the second side of the frame and the first RFK set, the secondRFK set comprising a plurality of RFKs; wherein each of the plurality ofRFKs of the first and second RFK sets comprises: a housing; at least oneinput cable; and a plurality of output cables; wherein at least aplurality of the housings of the first RFK set are stacked along adirection between the first end and the second end of the frame; andwherein at least a portion of the at least one input cable of the firstRFK set is positioned between the second end of the frame and thehousings of the second RFK set.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein atop sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls is curved or angled downward.15. The method of claim 11 further comprising: a hinge disposed betweena sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls and the telecommunicationscabinet.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fiber opticdistribution assembly is mounted to the hinge.
 17. The method of claim11, wherein at least a portion of the rear surface is configure to abuta seal feature of the telecommunications cabinet when the retrofit dooris in a shut position.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the retrofitdoor further comprises a patrician disposed between opposing sidewallsof the plurality of side walls defining an upper portion and a lowerportion of the retrofit door.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein theretrofit door comprises a plurality of vent apertures disposed throughthe front surface in one of the upper portion or lower portion.
 20. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the fiber optic apparatus extends beyond aplane defined by an access opening of the telecommunications cabinetwhen the fiber optic apparatus is mounted in the telecommunicationscabinet.
 21. A telecommunications assembly, comprising: atelecommunications cabinet configured to house copper electronicequipment in an interior of the telecommunications cabinet; a fiberoptic apparatus mounted within the telecommunications cabinet, the fiberoptic apparatus including a frame and a plurality of fiber optic panelsattached to the frame, wherein: the frame has a first end and a secondend, the frame being arranged in the telecommunications cabinet with thesecond end oriented toward a surface on which the telecommunicationscabinet is secured and the first end oriented away from the surface onwhich the telecommunications cabinet is secured; and the plurality offiber optic panels comprises: a splitter mount attached to the frame andconfigured for mounting at least one fiber optic splitter modulethereto; a feeder panel attached to the frame and positioned between thefirst end of the frame and the splitter mount, the feeder panelincluding at least one feeder port connector adapter; and a distributionpanel attached to the frame and positioned between the first end of theframe and the feeder panel, the distribution panel including a pluralityof distribution port connector adapters.
 22. The telecommunicationsassembly of claim 21, further comprising: a retrofit door mounted to thetelecommunications and configured to move between a closed position inwhich the retrofit door covers the interior of the telecommunicationscabinet and an open position in which the retrofit door provides accessto the interior of the telecommunications cabinet, the retrofit doorcomprising: a front surface; a plurality of side walls extending fromthe front surface; and a rear surface extending inward from theplurality of sidewalls, wherein the rear surface is spaced apart fromthe front surface and defines at least one opening into at least onecavity of the retrofit door, wherein each cavity of the at least onecavity is positioned between the front surface and the rear surface;wherein when the retrofit door is in the closed position, the pluralityof fiber optic panels attached to the frame are aligned with the atleast one cavity of the retrofit door, such that the at least one cavityprovides volume to accommodate the plurality of fiber optic panels orthe fiber optic equipment that is configured to be mounted to theplurality of fiber optic panels.